Park Lamp Housing Restore - Questions:

I removed my grille and parkin lamps today. I am painting the grille, core support and just generally tidying up this part of front end.

Questions:
1.) What do u guys use to replace the insulation tubing covering the wires where they meet the rear of the lamp housing? I did'nt see anything in AK cat. I did order gaskets for the housings.
2.) The lamp housing interior is in pretty gud shape. I don't know whether I shud leave it be or paint the interior w/ some hi-temp silver or white paint. Any suggestion?

 

I have never replaced the insulation tubing. My guess is that it is some type of shrink wrap.

I would probably leave the interior of the lights alone if it is in good shape.

 

White actually reflects the light better than silver. If you paint the interior make sure not to get any into the lamp socket. I did once and it's a booger to clean out!

 

Thanks for ur input. I had planned to put sometuhing in the socket to keep paint out. I also have one of the light reflectors that needs some attention. I think I will paint both of them white - it worked great in my gauge cluster. I can always paint it chrome if I don't like it. I also put di-electric grease on all contact points and connectors. Time to get to work on the project.

 

Thanks for ur input Craig:

I have never replaced the insulation tubing. My guess is that it is some type of shrink wrap.

I would probably leave the interior of the lights alone if it is in good shape.[/QUOTE]

I think ur correct on the shrink wrap. I have some cuts in the wrap. I wud like to put something over them to help keep water out. Im afraid to use shrink wrap over the orig, afraid the heat will make thing worse.

I created this thread B4 I took both lenses off the housings. I have one that's dull and has a little corrosion inside and slight bit of rust on the bottom lip.
I think I will just paint them both, inside and out.

 

you can get shrink wrap that has a hot glue in it. that way it seals around anything you put it on. thats what i would do if it was me.

 

Where do u get such shrink wrap?

 

Park Lamp Restore

I worked on my grille refurbish today and as usual u start w/ one thing in mind and wind up finding urself doing more than the orig plan.
I cleaned up and painted my turn signal/parklite housings; took more time than I had plan - "normally does". They were not in too bad shape; took the outside to bare metal.

The two on the left "BEFORE", the right "AFTER". I think the white will increase the light output substanially.

Next is some spots on the core support I will touch-up and finish painting the grille and re-assemble everything. I am undecided if I will make the grille entirely semi-gloss black. I am leaning that direction.

Does anyone know if the Maverick tail lens gasket/body pads work w/ Comet tail group?

 

They are not the same.

 

Radio Shack probably sells it, or any electronics parts store. You can get it with and without the adhesive lining. Just gotta know the diameter to buy, for example 1/4" tubing is 1/4" ID before shrinking. Most common tubing shrinks to 1/2 it's original diameter. Some special types have a higher shrink ratio but are more expensive.

 

Ok! Thanks, I have some regular kind. I will ck on the adhesive lined stuff.

 

Grille/Pk-Lite/Rad Support Refurbish

I have almost finished the front end restore excluding the bumper, hope to have it rechromed nx season and have the car repainted.
The left pic, grille as it came out of car, faded and dull. Right, repainted and park/turn lite grille painted black - bulb housing painted white - brighter light.

I have to remove the grille for some parts ordered frm AK that were missing, grille rubber grommets, hood rubber grommets things u normally done see until u start taking things apart - unless, maybe u have a long relation w/ these particular cars and know what to look for. The plastic center grille support has some cracks; I may have to fabe a new one frm metal. It's not to the point of replacing now but maybe over time it will give up. I cud have waited till the parts came but want to drive the car - so no big deal to remove it.

I like driving the car as much as possible - it can sit when the winter sets in.
Anyway, I feel Im making some progress - Next will redo the tail light group.

 

Lights look GOOD!!

 

Look GREAT, Everett - as always

 

It never ceases to amaze me what some de-greaser, elbow grease and paint can do to an old car part. That looks great. I like the little accent stripes on the grill. Is that from the original? or your idea.